Vietnam is about to launch a cruise to the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea.
The Spratlys comprise more than 30,000 islands and reefs that have massive economic value as they are believed to contain significant oil and natural gas reserves.
As a result several governments have stated claims over governing the remote islands, including Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and China, which has set its sights on nine-tenths of the South China Sea.
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism department announced that the pilot six-day tour will be launched on June 22nd and will include visits to Truong Sa island district, which is controlled by Vietnam.
Travel firms Saigontourist and Tan Cang Offshore Travel JSC have been tasked with organization and pricing of the trips.
The cruise is expected to serve as a stepping stone for a wider offer of cruise packages in the future.
World Maritime News Staff; Image: Youtube